Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Lee.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in Alhambra, CA with a love for dance and a strong identity to my Asian American culture.
At a young age, when my peers were studying for tests, hanging out with friends, and doing all the silly fun things kids enjoy doing, I was practicing, competing, obsessing. On one hand, my mother valued education and wanted a future for me that was secure and possibly even rave-worthy. On the other, my father had a dream that I would one day represent Asian Americans in the world of dance, perhaps even in the Olympics. So I carried this need for perfection with me not just in my everyday life but also in my dancing. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in psychology and working professionally for two years, I quit my job at the age of 24 and finally began my dance career. When I entered the industry, however, I learned that there is a difference between loving dance and doing it for a living. The truth is every single dancer in the industry is fearless, hungry, and talented beyond reason; to be an Asian American dancer in this world meant that my roles were extremely scarce and that I would be type-casted the second I walked into an audition. Still, with the help of my agents and the support of my family and friends, I eventually lived the life of a dancer I had always dreamed, performing at award shows, stage shows, television sitcoms, commercials, and much more.
Amidst my journey as a professional dancer, I stumbled upon what would eventually be the passion and career that I have today—fitness. What started out as a side job at a barre studio while navigating my way through the dance world quickly became a deeper love when I realized that I could combine the best of both worlds to help others feel strong and confident in their bodies. In 2016, I signed on with PUMA as an ambassador and trainer and have since had the pleasure of working with some of the best trainers in the industry, as well as introducing my own ballet-fitness workouts to the world. However, at the start of 2020’s worldwide pandemic, I found myself unemployed and unsure of my next path.
As a primarily group fitness instructor, I thrived on the energy of in-person training, which was suddenly a thing of the past. I was left with two options: embrace my situation and find a way to continue doing what I love, or simply stop. I chose to embrace, ergo launching Ashley Lee Fitness, a virtual fitness training platform that embodies all the benefits of in-person training in the comfort and safety of your own home. Since also becoming a certified pre and postnatal fitness specialist, I have worked closely with new moms like myself and mothers-to-be to incorporate a safe and effective fitness program into their journeys to motherhood and postpartum. Although I can’t say that this is the exact childhood dream I had once envisioned for myself, I can say that I feel excited to wake up each day doing what I love, with the people I love.
Has it been a smooth road?
There were definitely bumps along the road, but I’ve always preferred to look at life in a glass-half-full point of view. I will say though, quitting my first professional job at the age of 24 to become an industry dancer was the scariest decision of my life. Going in, I knew that I would be competing with dancers who were younger, better trained, and more physically fit than I was, especially since the extent of my knowledge of the dance world came mostly from watching the TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” and thinking “hey, I think I can dance!” I knew zero people going in and felt extremely lonely that first year. Thankfully, I’ve always been pretty good at adapting to situations and especially good at working under pressure. So before long, I signed with an agency that I loved, found friends that I could trust, and booked jobs that I was proud of.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I started Ashley Lee Fitness as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many people, I had lost my job because of this virus and suddenly found myself confused, angry, and in full panic mode. Despite the initial and short-lived reopening of gyms, I knew it would be a while before I would teach in a public space again, with much of fitness revolving around personal interactions and sharing of equipment. So, what began as a few virtual classes here and there on Instagram as a way to help my friends and followers get moving again transformed into a mission to help people around the world once again love and honor their bodies.
I am proud to say that Ashley Lee Fitness is proof that fitness can be done anywhere and by anyone who wants it. It is about connecting the body and mind to rise above any obstacle that comes your way, whether it be a lack of motivation, the mental and physical toll of new motherhood, or the consequences of a sudden worldwide pandemic.
Currently, all virtual classes are held through Zoom using minimal equipment to achieve maximum results. My group classes range from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to barre and pilates-inspired sculpting, to ballet-infused fitness, and even a 45-minute full-body stretch class. Personal training is also a popular option for people who prefer a personalized program tailored to their specific body and goals. Finally, my pre and postnatal private sessions help pregnant and postpartum women confidently incorporate fitness into their journey to motherhood. As a mother myself, I know firsthand the importance of staying healthy not just for my baby but also for myself. I hope to help women everywhere redefine their notion of the “mom bod” and have their strength as mothers be reflected in their bodies.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Definitely. Los Angeles is the epicenter of fitness and beauty! No matter the obstacle, I can always count on the people here to make it work and look good doing it.
For someone just starting out in fitness or slowly getting back into a routine, I recommend personal training sessions to master the basic movements and techniques before “HIIT”ing a faster-paced group class. If it is a group class setting, you’re looking for, “Intro to Ballet HIIT” is perfect for doing just these things! I know the word “ballet” makes people think of pink tights and twirling bodies, but it really is just a style of lengthening I like to incorporate into my movements to bring a level of gracefulness to strength training. Another class that I would recommend all levels take is the “Mind Body Stretch” class, a feel-good stretch for the body and therapy for the mind.
Pricing:
- Personal Training Session – $45
- Pre/Post Natal Private Session – $45
- Single Group Class – $15
- 5 Class Package – $49
- Monthly Unlimited Package – $99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleyleefitness.com
- Phone: (310) 321-2170
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liashleyley
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyleefitness
Image Credit:
Tio Von Hale, Juanita Romero, @matteophotographs, “akafotoboy”, Charlz Chalmers
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